Williamson agrees Yorkshire return

New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson will return to Yorkshire next season after agreeing to extend his stay as the county's overseas player.

The 23-year-old Black Caps batsman arrived at Headingley in August and is playing his fifth match for the club at Surrey this week, averaging 53 in his first four outings.

"I have only been at the club for a short period of time and already it feels like I have been playing here for many years," said Williamson.

"That is testament to the players for accepting me in the group and making me feel welcome.

"One of the reasons why I wanted to return next season was the fact that we are on verge of something special. We have all the processes in place to be successful over the next few years. There are a number of young players coming through that are ready to add competition for places.

"I know all about the history and the traditions of the club. Yorkshire is regarded as one of the great clubs in the game. Even back home it is talked about fondly and in high esteem.

"It would be nice to be part of the squad that creates its own piece of history.

"The coaching set-up is second to none, not just in this country, but across the world and their enthusiasm and knowledge of the game rubs off on all of us."

Williamson, who is heading on a tour of Bangladesh with his country at the end of the week, admits he faces a challenge balancing international and first-class assignments but is content with the workload.

"As soon as the English season finishes, I'm jumping on a plane to Bangladesh for a Test and one-day international series," he added.

"There are a lot of commitments with the national set up over the next few months, which I'm looking forward to. We enjoyed the summer in England and gained a lot as a group.

"Tours of the sub-continent are always demanding and we will go to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with lots of confidence. Then we have West Indies and India back in New Zealand later in the year.

"I'm not too sure what is planned in 2014 but it shouldn't really affect my commitments with Yorkshire."

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon was pleased to announce the signing.

"It is great news to have Kane on board for next season," he said.

"He has settled in well and is a popular member of the dressing room. We have seen him excel in four-day cricket in the short time he has been with us and I have no doubt that he will be a tremendous asset in all forms of the game next season.

"For a young man, he has already gained a massive amount of experience playing at the highest level against the best teams in the world. He should be available for the majority of next season and play his part in our efforts to be successful and competitive in all forms of the game."